Best new cosy crime on Acorn TV
Signora Volpe is back for season 2, while Danish drama The Sommerdahl Murders also makes our top August list
Signora Volpe
Crime | Mystery | Drama
Summary:Disillusioned with her role as a spy, Emilia Fox's character Sylvia moves to Italy and attempts to settle down in the beautiful Panicale. However, it seems that no matter how far she runs, crime and mystery follow her wherever she goes. Both seasons of this show, which is an Acorn original, are available to stream.
Why to watch: Alongside the star quality of lead actress Emilia Fox and the tried and tested murder-of-the-week format, Signora Volpe offers beautiful shots of its dreamy Italian setting. Filmed in Panicale, one of Tourism Italy’s I Borghi più belli d'Italia (The most beautiful villages of Italy), and overlooking the picturesque Lake Trasimeno - beware of sudden urges to book a holiday.
Available now.
The Sommerdahl Murders
Crime | Drama
Summary:This Danish cosy crime drama follows DCI Dan Sommerdahl as he investigates murders in a picturesque Danish town alongside his wife and best friend. However, with his marriage on the rocks, DCI Dan learns that his rival for his wife's affections is in fact his closest pal.
Why to watch: As his ex-wife Marianne and best friend Flemming are finally official, DCI Dan Sommerdahl’s newfound happiness with Josefine Sundby has been cut short. He's completely blindsided by the turn of events that saw Josefine imprisoned, which doesn't exactly spell good things for a cop.
Available August 26.
The Madame Blanc Mysteries
Drama
Summary:Broadcast on both Channel 5 and Acorn TV, The Madame Blanc Mysteries follows antiques dealer Jean as she travels to France to investigate her husband's mysterious death. Helped by the local Chief of Police, a local taxi driver, and the local chateau owners, Jean attempts to unravel some of the mysteries surrounding her husband, as well as other mysteries along the way. Sally Lindsay leads the cast of this cosy crime drama, which currently has three series available (with a fourth on its way).
Why to watch: The winning combination of creator-actor Sally Lindsay's antiques dealer-turned-detective Jean and her loyal taxi driver (and possible love interest) Dom (Steve Edge) really makes this quirky mystery drama. It's also got a cracking cast list, which in series three includes Lisa Falkner, Lisa Maxwell, and Julie Graham.
Available now.
Under the Vines
Drama | Comedy
Summary:Rebecca Gibney and Charles Edwards star as two city slickers who inherit a failing vineyard in rural New Zealand.. the only problems are that neither of them has ever done a hard days' work- and they despise one another.
Why to watch: A typical fish-out-of-water style series that is boosted by the impressive chemistry of its two leads, Rebecca Gibney and Charles Edwards. It's not exactly a difficult watch, but that's part of its appeal.
Available August 19.
The Brokenwood Mysteries
Mystery | Drama | Crime
Summary:In a seemingly quiet country town the newest resident, Detective Inspector Mike Shepherd, finds that murder lurks in even the most homely location.
Why to watch: This long-running Kiwi mystery series isn’t for the weak, each episode is feature length at a whopping 90 mins. There’s a reason it’s run for ten seasons, however, with critics calling it “uniquely thrilling” and likening it to Midsomer Murders and Twin Peaks.
Available now.
My Life Is Murder
Drama | Crime | Mystery | Comedy
Summary:Investigator Alexa Crowe, cannot help fighting the good fight – whether it is solving murders or combatting the small frustrations of everyday life. Fearless and unapologetic, Alexa's unique skills and insights into the darker quirks of human nature, allows her to provoke, comfort and push the right buttons as she unravels the truth behind the most baffling of crimes.
Why to watch: Xena star Lucy Lawless portrays her signature kick ass female protagonist, this time a police consultant who helps solve brutal murders. Wentworth and Neighbours actor Bernard Curry also stars.
Available now.
Detectorists
Comedy
Summary:The lives of two eccentric metal detectorists, who spend their days plodding along ploughed tracks and open fields, hoping to disturb the tedium by unearthing the fortune of a lifetime.
Why to watch: This critically acclaimed sitcom features writer-actor Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones as two passionate (and really quite amusing) metal detectors. Lucy Benjamin and Dame Diana Rigg also star.
Available now.
London Kills
Drama | Crime
Summary:With a documentary style delivery, this drama tells the story of a team of top murder detectives with each episode featuring a different murder while also following a serialized story involving the lead detective’s missing wife.
Why to watch: Created by acclaimed Suspects writer Paul Marquess, this drama shares Suspects’s documentary style storytelling and use of improvisation by actors. The Full Monty star Hugo Speer takes the lead role as a detective who can solve any mystery - apart from that of his wife’s disappearance.
Available now.
Harry Wild
Drama | Mystery | Comedy
Summary:After being mugged in Dublin, Harriet (aka Harry) decides to take matters into her own hands and find out just who stole her things. Thus, the former college professor transforms into an amateur sleuth. Recruiting an unlikely new young sidekick, they go around solving crimes and mysteries together. Jane Seymour leads.
Why to watch: Another quirky crime solving pair - this time a literature professor (the award-winning Jane Seymour) and her teenage mugger - make this light hearted crime drama worth your time. Jane Seymour is also an executive producer on the series.
Available now.
